why do schools need policies and procedures

Are you interested in growing your business while enhancing your employeeÁs ability to deliver consistent, high caliber service without dramatically increasing the burden of employee management responsibilities on you? If so, we recommend you take several minutes to read on and acquaint yourself with the importance and benefits of written, well-defined Policies Procedures! why is this important to you? Simply put, well-written policies and procedures allow employees to clearly understand their roles and responsibilities within predefined limits. Basically, policies and procedures allow management to guide operations without constant management intervention. And constant intervention equates to increase operating expenses that ultimately detract from your companyÁs profitability. So ask yourselfÁWhat condition are my companyÁs written policies and procedures in? Oh, you say you donÁt have written policies and procedures. Fear not, itÁs never too late to take advantage of tools and techniques many of your competitors have, and are using successfully to grow their business and market share. In order to understand why policies and procedures are so important we need to know what they are, and the differences between them. What is a Policy? A ÁPolicyÁ is a predetermined course of action, which is established to provide a guide toward accepted business strategies and objectives. In other words, it is a direct link between an organizationÁs ÁVisionÁ and their day-to-day operations. Policies identify the key activities and provide a general strategy to decision-makers on how to handle issues as they arise. This is accomplished by providing the reader with limits and a choice of alternatives that can be used to ÁguideÁ their decision making process as they attempt to overcome problems.

I like to think of ÁpoliciesÁ as a globe where national boundaries, oceans, mountain ranges and other major features are easily identified. What is a Procedure? The ultimate goal of every ÁProcedureÁ is to provide the reader with a clear and easily understood plan of action required to carry out or implement a policy. A well-written procedure will also help eliminate common misunderstandings by identifying job responsibilities and establishing boundaries for the jobholders. Good procedures actually allow managers to control events in advance and prevent the organization (and employees) from making costly mistakes. You can think of a procedure as a road map where the trip details are highlighted in order to prevent a person from getting lost or ÁwanderingÁ off an acceptable path identified by the companyÁs management team. Policies and procedures are required when there is a need for consistency in your day-to-day operational activities. Policies and procedures also provide clarity to the reader when dealing with accountability issues or activities that are of critical importance to the company, such as, health and safety, legal liabilities, regulatory requirements or issues that have serious consequences. Are Your Policies and Procedures Meeting Your Needs? An increase in the number of accidents, higher failure rates or costly overruns. More staff questions on Ánormal operationsÁ or a feeling of general confusion within a department or division. Employees may also be demonstrating inconsistency in their job performance and there may be an increase in the workforceÁs stress levels. Customers are increasing complaints.

Now that we have a better understanding of policies and procedures, letÁs take a look at the major benefits they provide. Employees understand the constraints of their job without using a Átrial and errorÁ approach, as key points are visible in well-written policies and procedures. Policies and procedures enable the workforce to clearly understand individual and team responsibilities, thus saving time and resources. Everyone is working off the same page; employees can get the ÁofficialÁ word on how they should go about their tasks quickly and easily. Clearly written policies and procedures allow managers to exercise control by exception rather than Ámicro-manageÁ their staff. They send a ÁWe Care! Á message. ÁThe company wants us to be successful at our jobs. Á Clearly written policies and procedures provide legal protection. Juries apply the Ácommon personÁ standard. If written clearly so that outsiders understand, the company has better legal footing if challenged in court. LetÁs return to the first question we asked. Are you interested in growing your business without dramatically increasing your burden of employee management responsibilities? If your answer is yes, we recommend reviewing and implementing policies and procedures that are effective, and work on your companyÁs behalf. Policies help define rules, regulations, procedures and protocols for schools. All of these are necessary to help aPschool run smoothly and safely and ensure that students receive a quality education. Introduction SchoolsPhave policies for several reasons. Policies establish rules and regulations to guide acceptable behavior and ensure that the school environment is safe for students, teachers and school staff.

School policies also help create a productive learning environment. Rules and Regulations In order for rules and regulations to be in place and enforced, policies are created, often by the local. Having these policies in place means there are determined procedures for how school operations are handled, down to every minute detail, so that educators, staff and students know what is expected and can act accordingly. This saves time, prevents confusion and unifies the school. Safe Learning Environments Students, teachers and staff members deserve to feel physically and psychologically secure in their environment. In order to create this environment, are created and instated that establish safety standards for the physical environment and mental state of students and staff. This is done by creating policies such as fire drills, and mental health guidelines. Setting Goals and Establishing Productivity In order for an institution to encourage higherPlearning, policies must be in place that establish goals as set forth by the school board. These policies establish standards and help hold schools and educators accountable to the public. This is important for relating education to the community and making it responsible to the larger world. Accountability through the use of goal-oriented policies ensures that students are receiving a valuable education. Policies are important because they help a school establish rules and procedures and create standards of quality for learning and safety, as well as expectations and accountability. Without these, schools would lack the structure and function necessary to provide the educational needs of students. Ultimately, policies are necessary to the success and safety of a school. Source:P